In honor of my dear “Aloha,” I’m dedicating my birthday (Sept 13) fundraiser to something that has been at the heart of Surfers For Strays since before SFS formally existed: MUCHO ALOHA. Long before there was an organization, I dreamed of a community of people who cared for the environment, the plants that grow from the earth, the animals who depend on them, and the children who will one day become guardians of it all. SFS is a vision of living in greater harmony with nature and one another – and, no matter how rough the seas get, continuing to paddle out with the spirit of Mucho Aloha. But what does aloha really ask of us? Aloha – love, compassion & presence Kākou – togetherness Kōkua – helping & serving others Mālama – caring & protecting Kuleana – responsibility & stewardship Lōkahi – unity, harmony & balance Haʻahaʻa – humility ʻOluʻolu – kindness & graciousness Ahonui – patience & perseveranceThese are the currents I hope continue flowing through SFS: community, service, stewardship, harmony, humility, kindness, patience, compassion and love.From protecting the tierra and the ocean, to caring for animals, to teaching children that they, too, can become guardians of their community – it is all connected. One ecosystem. One community. One big wave. That is what Mucho Aloha means to me.And in honor of my beloved Aloha – the first rescue I ever kept, who recently passed – and the vision for El Santuario in La Saladita, created with my environmental guru @azulita_pato, my birthday wish is to keep that wave moving forward. If this vision speaks to your heart, please consider supporting my birthday fundraiser and helping us bring El Santuario to life – for the animals, the environment, the children, and the community we all share. To donate: through our Instagram fundraiser, or via our website, just mention “Natalie’s Birthday” with your donation!May we always be blessed by waves of love. Founder & Ambassador, Natalie (Thalia Muñoz) Ritenour